What are the steps to get a work visa and work permit in UAE?
To obtain a UAE work visa and work permit, follow these steps:
- Secure a job offer from a UAE-based employer.
- Employer applies for an entry visa via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- Undergo a medical screening at a UAE-approved clinic.
- Apply for an Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
- Employer submits an employment contract and company documents (e.g., company card, commercial license).
- Obtain a residence visa and labour card from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Key requirements include a valid passport, medical certificate, and legalized academic qualifications. The process takes about 5-10 days after document submission, with costs ranging from AED 200-5,000 based on worker category.
How To Get a Work Visa and Work Permit in UAE
With life-changing opportunities, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have made UAE one of the most sought-after countries in the world. Whatever your profession is, if you seek a job in Dubai, a UAE work visa for section A, a Visa for expatriates in UAE, or you need a housemaid permit, there are multiple routes to UAE work visa selection. But nothing to worry about; we’ve got you covered! This guide provides all the intricacies, including UAE work visa steps, costs, visa rejection reasons, and myriads of useful tips to help you obtain the permit.
The demographic structure within the UAE dictates that 9 out of 10 residents are expats, suggesting that the UAE system is designed for immigration and global talent. However, the rigid labour rules are challenging and must be followed precisely. This guide on business setup in Dubai and company formation in Dubai will address work permits along with other authorizations required for employment in the UAE. Ready? Let’s go!
What Makes a UAE Work Visa So Appealing?
A large part of the UAE promotes employment opportunities in technology, tourism, and finance, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the forefront. A UAE work visa allows one to live and work without restrictions, receiving tax-exempted salaries and enjoying a great standard of living. From a business standpoint, Dubai work permit sponsorship opens opportunities to a global workforce which is essential for any business setup in UAE or company formation in Dubai.
The UAE offers a wide variety of employment, suited for everyone from executives to house staff. However, compliance with immigration regulations is mandatory—any errors could result in serious administrative penalties. This guide will help you complete the process for UAE employment authorization for both a Standard Work Visa and a freelance visa.
Who Qualifies for a UAE Work Visa and Permit?
Citizens of other countries need to be 18 years of age to obtain both a work visa and a work permit for employment purposes. This includes expatriates intending to join the expat program in the UAE, remote employees, and individuals on a business visa for free zones. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), whereas a residence visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Working while on a tourist visa is illegal and may lead to fines or deportation. There are other permits with stricter stipulations, such as the juvenile work permit or the private teacher work permit, which require guardian approval in the case of minors. Business setup consultants often assist employers in Dubai regarding these stipulations.
What Types of UAE Work Visas Are Available?
The UAE provides a selection of visa options tailored to specific job positions. Provided below are the options:
A. UAE Standard Work Visa
An employee-sponsored UAE Standard Work Visa lasts between 2-3 years and is tied to the employer. It is for employees in business setups in Dubai or other emirates. Requires a job offer as well as approval from the MoHRE. You can also sponsor a family when you get a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation).
B. Green Visa for Freelancers
As of 2022, the Green Visa UAE provides a 5-year residency option for freelancers, investors, and skilled workers. They do not require visa sponsorship making business setup in free zones easier. Family members can be sponsored, and there is a grace period of 6 months after visa expiry.
C. Golden Visa for Elite Talent
The Golden Visa UAE is a 5- or 10-year residence visa awarded to elite talent such as scientists, artists, and doctors. Unlimited family can be sponsored and there is no limit to time spent outside the UAE. Eligibility can be checked on the ICP portal.
D. Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers
The digital nomad visa UAE allows living in Dubai for one year with a foreign employment contract. A monthly income of USD 5,000 and a self-employment permit is required. The visa is renewable if criteria are met.
E. Domestic Worker Permit
Nanny and domestic staff permits require employment agreements along with a medical certificate and sponsorship through MoHRE. These agreements must comply with the Wages Protection System.
What Are the Key Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Work Visa?
The following criteria listed by MoHRE must be satisfied in order to secure a work visa in UAE:
- Employee: Age above 18 with a minimum of a high school diploma (bachelor’s degree for Standard Work Visa). Employees above the age of 65 are subject to an AED 5,000 fee every two years.
- Employer: Holds a valid business license without any infractions and relevant job openings (e.g., company formation in Dubai).
- Medical Fitness: Must be free from any debilitating diseases, including HIV and Tuberculosis.
- Clean Record: No record of any crime or violation of UAE laws.
For business setup in freezone, restrictions on the number of visas issued (for example, one visa per nine square meters of office space in Dubai). Non-compliance with these regulations risks the suspension of work permits.
Pro Tip: Use business setup consultants in Dubai to verify sponsor eligibility and avoid quota issues.
Which Documents Are Essential for a UAE Work Visa?
The most important requirement to receive a visa is correct documentation. The following checklist will ensure diamond dazzle:
- Passport: 6+ months expiration validity, two blank pages plus coloured photocopy.
- Passport Photos: Educated region’s standard specs. White background.
- Employment Contract: Signed, translated into Arabic, and legalized.
- Academic Certificates: Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country and stamped by the UAE Embassy in your country.
- Medical Certificate: Must be obtained from recognized clinics in UAE.
- Employer Documents: Company card or a commercial license, document from financial third-party guarantor.
- Entry Authorization: issued by the MoHRE or ICP.
- Insurance: Travel health insurance covers the gap before health insurance comes into effect.
For work permits for juveniles, guardian (or parent) consent must be attached, as well as a no-objection certificate. A contract that complies with the Wages Protection System is necessary for domestic worker permits.
How to Secure a UAE Work Visa and Permit: 7 Steps
Follow these steps to get your UAE work visa and work permit in 2025:
Step 1: Land a Job Offer
Search for jobs via UAE portals, business setup in UAE networks, or on a tourist visa (converted later). Your employer must be registered with MoHRE and have no violations. The job should match the company’s scope (e.g., hospitality roles for hotels).
Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit
Your employer applies for a work permit through MoHRE’s Tas’Heel system. They submit your passport copy, job offer, and company card. MoHRE checks for unemployed UAE citizens before approval.
Step 3: Get an Entry Visa
The employer secures an entry visa (pink visa) via MoHRE or ICP for AED 1,500. It’s valid for 60 days. GCC citizens (e.g., Bahrain, Oman) skip this step, showing a government ID instead.
Step 4: Pass Medical Screening
Visit a government-approved health centre for tests (e.g., TB, HIV). Costs are AED 250-300, and results reach Emirates Health Service (EHS) in 2-3 days. A clear medical certificate is crucial.
Step 5: Register for Emirates ID
Head to an ICP centre for a biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo). The Emirates ID costs AED 200, with an optional AED 150 rush fee. Bring your entry visa and passport. The ID is your daily UAE identification.
Step 6: Submit Employment Contract
Your employer uploads the signed employment contract to MoHRE within 10 days of medical results. It must be in Arabic, English, and your native language, if different, ensuring labour compliance.
Step 7: Obtain a Residence Visa
The employer applies for a residence visa via GDRFA in your emirate (e.g., Ajman, Fujairah). Fees are AED 400-800. Approval takes 2-3 days, followed by a labour card and Emirates ID delivery in 10-14 days.
How Much Will a UAE Work Visa Cost in 2025?
Costs depend on worker category and emirate. Here’s the 2025 estimate:
- Work Permit:
- Entry Visa: AED 1,500.
- Medical Screening: AED 250-300.
- Emirates ID: AED 200 (plus AED 150 optional expedite).
- Residence Visa: AED 400-800.
Employers usually cover work permit fees, while employees may pay for medical screening or Emirates ID. Business setup in freezone may face extra costs for quota upgrades.
Pro Tip: Budget for health insurance, mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, to meet worker entitlements.
How Long Does the UAE Work Visa Process Take?
The work visa process spans 7-14 working days if the documents are complete:
- Work Permit: 2-3 days.
- Entry Visa: 2 days.
- Medical Screening: 2-3 days for results.
- Emirates ID: 1-3 days for form, 10-14 days for delivery.
- Residence Visa: 2-3 days for approval.
Delays often stem from UAE visa rejection reasons like missing academic certificates. MoHRE systems streamline processing for compliance.
Pro Tip: Use business setup consultants in Dubai to expedite document legalization.
What Is the Validity of a UAE Work Permit?
A work permit starts with 30-day validity, extendable to 60 days, allowing time for residence visa and labour card issuance. The residence visa lasts 1-3 years, synced with your work permit validity. Temporary work permits or freelance permits in the UAE may have shorter terms (e.g., 1 year).
How Can You Renew a UAE Work Visa?
Visa renewal is straightforward via GDRFA 30 days before expiry. Costs mirror initial fees (AED 400-800). A 30-day grace period applies, but late renewals risk work permit cancellation or fines. Employers handle the visa renewal process using MoHRE digital services.
Why Do UAE Visa Applications Get Rejected?
Steer clear of these common UAE visa rejection reasons:
- Incomplete Paperwork: Unattested academic certificates or blurry passport copy.
- Medical Failures: Positive tests for HIV or TB.
- Employer Issues: Invalid business license or quota violations in business setup in freezone.
- Criminal History: Breaches of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021.
- Expired Documents: Passports with less than 6 months’ validity.
Pro Tip: Run a work authorization check via MoHRE to spot red flags.
Can You Work in UAE Free Zones?
Business setup in freezone like DMCC or JAFZA offers tax benefits but strict visa quotas (e.g., one visa per 9 square meters in Dubai). Employers must apply for free zone visas via MoHRE, ensuring compliance with Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. These visas align with Standard Work Visa rules but may have faster processing.
Pro Tip: Consult business setup consultants in Dubai to navigate free zone regulations.
Expert Tips for a Hassle-Free UAE Work Visa Process
- Engage Professionals: Use business setup consultants in Dubai for document attestation and labour law compliance.
- Verify Quotas: Check free zone visa limits before applying.
- Leverage Tech: Use UAE Pass or MoHRE digital services for seamless applications.
- Start Early: Begin visa application documents prep 2 months ahead to meet visa validity deadlines.
- Know Your Rights: Review worker entitlements under the Wages Protection System.
- Stay Insured: Secure health insurance to avoid work permit suspension.
- Avoid Risks: Use verified MoHRE systems to steer clear of human trafficking scams.
- Monitor Status: Track work permit issuance via the Tas’Heel system or MoHRE’s call centre.
Common Questions About UAE Work Visas (FAQs)
Q1: How to get a UAE work visa for remote workers?
Apply for a digital nomad visa in UAE with proof of USD 5,000 monthly income and a foreign employment contract via ICP.
Q2: What’s the UAE work permit processing time in 2025?
It takes 7-14 days, with an entry visa in 2 days, medical screening in 2-3 days, and a residence visa in 2-3 days.
Q3: Can I work in UAE on a visitor visa?
No, it’s illegal. You need a work permit and residence visa to avoid fines or deportation.
Q4: How much is a Dubai work visa?
Expect AED 1,500 for an entry visa, AED 300-5,000 for a work permit, AED 250-300 for medical tests, and AED 200 for an Emirates ID.
Q5: How to handle UAE visa application challenges?
Ensure legalized academic certificates, a valid business license, and a clear passport copy. Use MoHRE digital services for accuracy.
Q6: What’s a juvenile work permit in UAE?
It’s for 15-18-year-olds, requiring guardian consent, a no objection certificate, and MoHRE approval.
Final Thoughts
Securing a UAE work visa and work permit is your gateway to a thriving career in Dubai, Sharjah, or Ras Al Khaimah. By mastering the 7-step process—landing a job, applying for a work permit, getting an entry visa, passing medical screening, registering for an Emirates ID, submitting an employment contract, and obtaining a residence visa—you’ll be ready to shine. Dodge UAE visa rejection reasons with attested visa application documents and labour compliance.
From business setup in Freezone to company formation in Dubai, the UAE’s immigration process is clear if you plan. Tap into MoHRE services, use business setup consultants in Dubai, and embrace tools like UAE Pass for success. Your UAE adventure starts now—go for it!
